ABSTRACT
This chapter continues the examination of dialogue writing as seen from the final stage of the filmmaking process. Moving onward from the two-person dialogue scenes of the previous chapter, this chapter addresses the incorporation of an ensemble cast, such as seen in Downton Abbey or The Magnificent Seven. The recent Netflix series The Rational Life is also examined. Issues of timing are discussed along with the use of pauses and gaps, with a focus on eliminating unnecessary lags in dialogue. The use of improvised dialogue is an issue that confounds many writers, including the great Julius Epstein (Casablanca). The pros and cons of improvisation are considered. Voiceover dialogue is another approach that is sometimes factored into a film, either as conceived in the script stage or added during post production. This is also considered.
